Ruby Pearle Skinner

Ruby Pearle Skinner, born June 4th, 1941, in Hughes Springs, Texas, to Ethel Chism and Lee Arthur Hartfield. She married James Edward Skinner Sr. and together they moved to Tucson, Arizona, where they built a life for over 60 years.

Ruby attended Traylor High and Pima Community College, ultimately pursing her passion for helping others by becoming a dedicated nurse in the Tucson area until her retirement.

A devout Christian, Ruby accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of Trinity Temple CME Methodist Church in her earlier years and was a member of Freedom’s Gate Ministries at the time of her passing.

Ruby was the glue that held the family together, providing strength, love, and stability to all who knew her. Known for her vibrant spirit, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her generous heart and unwavering support will be deeply missed and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Ruby Pearle Skinner was a remarkably creative spirit and an accomplished seamstress. With her own seamstress business, she turned her passion into a dream come true. Known as the “Craft Queen,” Ruby had a unique talent for bringing her ideas to life—if she saw something she liked, she would make it.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel Chism and Lee Arthur Hartfield; her beloved husband, James Edward Skinner Sr.; her sons, James Edward Skinner Jr. and Anthony Charles Skinner; her siblings, Lee Arthur Hartfield, George Marion Hartfield, James Sonny Hartfield, and Johnnie Evan Cheatham; and her grandchildren, Terrell Bacon, Anthony Byarse, Marquee Dixon, and Jana Berry.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Doreatha Darlene Davis (Greg) of Linden, Texas; Sheila Renee Davis (Robert) of Tucson, Arizona; Alisa Rochelle Swinger (Tony) of Atlanta, Georgia; and Donna Berry of Dallas, Texas.

Ruby also leaves behind her bonus children: Ruby Pearle Skinner , Zacharia Myrick, Nehemia Jimmerson, and Samauria Betts, all residing in Tucson, Arizona.

Her siblings, Travis Hartfield (Sonva) of Los Angeles, California; Georgia Traylor-Julien of Dallas, Texas; and Jessie Hicks of Hughes Springs, Texas, also survive her.

Ruby cherished her grandchildren: Major Greg Davis (Sebrain) of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Sherika Bishop (Al) of Tucson, Arizona; Jerald Davis of Dallas, Texas; Tinetta Buard of Woodbridge, Virginia; Talitha Byarse of Tucson, Arizona; Lakisha Skinner of Woodbridge, Virginia; Tony Brannon and Tenique Brannon, both of Atlanta, Georgia; Reshawnda Skinner and Doreatha Dixon, both of Tucson, Arizona; and James Edward Skinner lll (Tray) of Duluth, Minnesota.

She leaves behind 20 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will cherish her memory.

A visitation for Ruby will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at FREEDOM'S GATE MINISTRIES, 5624 S Mission Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746. A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 5624 S Mission Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746. A graveside service will occur Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.